Mk. 8:22-26 Blind Man of Betsaida

Community Mass

Introduction

Jesus heals Blind Mk. 8

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Nivard - - -
Sent: Tue, 15 February, 2011 17:13:13
Subject: 6 Wk Thurs Blind Man Bethsaida  

In today’s Gospel St Mark, (8:22-26),

tells us that the blind man replied, "I see people looking like trees and walking." He could see everything distinctly.

   Jesus put spittle on his eyes, placed his hands on him and asked him whether he could see anything.
Knowledge always comes by degrees. It is only after a great deal of time and a long apprenticeship that we are able to reach perfect knowledge.
   

   First the impurities are removed, blindness goes, and so light enters. To teach perfectly it comes from the Lord's mouth. The Lord's spittle, which comes out, so to speak, from his substance comes under-standing. The word coming forth from his mouth is a word that effects a cure.  

   Like the blind man, we need only the touch of Jesus, as we do in receiving Holy Communion, and we will find healing for soul and body.

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Commentary of the day
Saint Jerome (347-420), priest, translator of the Bible, Doctor of the Church 
Homilies on Saint Mark's Gospel, n°8, 235 (trad. SC 494, p. 143)

« Open my eyes that I may consider the wonders of your Law» (Ps 119[118], 18)

Jesus put spittle on his eyes, placed his hands on him and asked him whether he could see anything.
Knowledge always comes by degrees...
It is only after a great deal of time and a long apprenticeship that we are able to attain perfect knowledge.
First the impurities are removed, blindness goes, and thus light enters.
The Lord's spittle is perfect teaching: to teach perfectly it comes from the Lord's mouth.
The Lord's spittle, which comes forth, so to speak, from his substance, is understanding, just as the word coming forth from his mouth is a cure...